DECEMBER 2, 2008 -- The U.S. Broadband Coalition called on President-Elect Barack Obama and the 111th Congress to make the implementation of a comprehensive broadband strategy a national priority in 2009.
As part of its "call to action" (available here), the group -- which includes associations such as the FTTH Council, American Cable Association (ACA), and Connected Nation, as well as a number of carriers and equipment and services suppliers -- has released a framework and initial goals for a national plan to bridge the digital divide and harness the potential of broadband-enabled communications for businesses, schools, and individuals.
"In the 21st century, broadband access for every American is more than a luxury, or even a right; it is an absolute necessity," ACA president and CEO Matthew M. Polka said. "We're pleased to lend our voice to the coalition's call-to-action to help provide President-Elect Obama and the incoming Congress direction and an initial framework to build on in the coming months. Broadband-enabled Internet connectivity has changed the way the world communicates, learns, and does business, and the United States can no longer afford to lag behind other nations. The prioritization of a national broadband strategy is long overdue, and 2009 should mark the beginning of the end for broadband disparity for individuals throughout the country, particularly in unserved communities."
The call-to-action issued included goals for the implementation of broadband for scientific research, education, health care, energy efficiency, transportation, and overall economic vitality. Those goals include:
- Every American home, business, and public and private institution should have access to affordable high speed broadband connections to the Internet.
- Access to the Internet should, to the maximum feasible extent, be open to all users, service providers, content providers, and application providers.
- Network operators must have the right to manage their networks responsibly, pursuant to clear and workable guidelines and standards.
- The Internet and broadband marketplace should be as competitive as reasonably possible.
- U.S. broadband networks should provide Americans with the network performance, capacity, and connections they need to compete successfully in the global marketplace.
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